Level Xcel Gold Shelby Ward earned career high score on Floor with a 9.2. (Submitted photo)

Twelve members of the Pickaway County Family YMCA’s Gymnastics team participated in the 2015 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships held in Wichita, Kansas, June 24-27. Several local gymnasts earned Top 10 placements or career high scores at the competition featuring 1,300 gymnasts from across the country.

“We could not be more proud of all the hard work and dedication these girls put into gymnastics year round,” said Beth Harlan, head coach of the Pickaway team. “We cannot wait to represent the Pickaway County Family YMCA and the YMCA of Central Ohio at the 2016 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships in Long Beach, California.”

The event began June 24 with an Olympic-style opening ceremony at Intrust Bank Arena with gymnasts marching into the arena carrying their state flags and team banners. The keynote speaker that evening was Wichita State Men’s Basketball Head Coach Gregg Marshall.

Competition began on June 25 at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and ran three days.

Pickaway gymnasts competing the first day included:

Level 8 Taylor Bonn (5th on Vault and 4th on Bars)

Level 2 Lana Smith (Earned career high scores on Floor, Bars and All Around)